A 36-year-old Orealla Village man has been freed of a charge relating to the possession of ammunition after the court recently ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defendant, Rajiv Singh, called “Issac,” a chainsaw operator of Orealla Village, Corentyne River, Berbice, was charged with Possession of Ammunition Without a Licence in Force at the Time under Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05.
Police alleged that Singh was found in possession of 25 live 12-gauge cartridges. He was arrested on November 30, 2025 by Detective Corporal #24646 Sukdeo and subsequently charged on December 2, 2025 by Constable #26007 Jeffrey Joseph.
Singh made his first court appearance on December 2, 2025 at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate T. Hardy, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty, was denied bail, and was remanded to prison.
The matter was later transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, where on December 18, 2025, Singh was granted bail in the sum of $300,000. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Vinay Punwa.
Following several adjournments, full disclosure of statements and exhibits was completed on March 24, 2026. The trial commenced on June 23, 2026 and concluded on July 9, 2026, with the prosecution calling six witnesses.
During the trial, Attorney Punwa challenged key aspects of the prosecution’s case, arguing that an oral statement allegedly given by his client was not voluntary, claiming Singh’s free will had been compromised.
The defence attorney also objected to the admission of certain evidence, arguing that there was insufficient foundation and inconsistencies surrounding the alleged link between Singh and the ammunition.
Punwa further raised concerns about the absence of body-camera footage from ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), questioning the reliability and transparency of the evidence presented.
On July 9, 2026, both the prosecution and defence made final oral submissions. After reviewing the evidence, the court dismissed the charge, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the case against Singh beyond a reasonable doubt.
Singh was therefore acquitted and freed of the ammunition possession charge.
